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January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast – FIGHT!

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January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast logo

This past year I’ve struggled more with prayer than during any other time in my life. There have been days I haven’t wanted to pray. And I didn’t. There have also been times when I couldn’t pray because the hurt was so deep.

My heart has been heavy for family members who continue to reject the Lord. Friends whose marriages are falling apart. People who are facing life-threatening illnesses and addictions. And, of course, I’ve been broken over my own sin.

So much devastation. So much despair. And I’m weary.

But God has reminded me that I must not let up. Now isn’t the time to get lazy in prayer. Now is the time to FIGHT!

The struggles we face aren’t random or coincidental. Forces of good and evil are in conflict all around us. A powerful and present enemy, Satan, wants to steal, kill, and destroy God’s work in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones. But God doesn’t want us to shrink back in fear. He wants us to engage! But, in this battle, physical weapons like guns, knives, or hand grenades are useless. We must put on spiritual armor and fight through prayer! 

The good news is that we’re not alone. God is fighting FOR us and WITH us. And, the best part is, He won’t be defeated.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deut. 20:4).

This January you have the opportunity to fight the good fight with thousands of believers around the world. Make plans now to participate in the January 2016 Ultimate Daniel Fast. The three-week online fast will be held January 3-23, 2016, and the theme, of course, is, “FIGHT!”

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4).

Will you make the commitment to participate in the Daniel Fast this January? Will you fight on your knees in prayer?

(Online registration has closed for this event.)

God has great plans for you in 2016. Seek His face through prayer and fasting, and praise Him now for the victories to come!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2015

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Lent 2015

Up until a few years ago, I didn’t really understand the purpose of Lent. My knowledge was limited to these facts: 1) My Catholic friends gave up a food item, such as meat, to prepare for Easter, and 2) They attended a special service on Ash Wednesday and received a black mark on the forehead. That’s it. That’s all I knew about Lent. Since that time, I’ve become more educated about the significance of this sacred event.

The purpose of Lent is to reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Ash Wednesday, or “Day of Ashes,” marks the beginning of the Lenten season, which this year is Wednesday, February 10th. In the typical Ash Wednesday service, the priest or pastor applies ashes in the shape of the cross on the forehead, while speaking the words, “For dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). The ash cross is a visual reminder of our need for repentance and God’s offer of forgiveness.

Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. Typically, people abstain from meat and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or social media. Many believers may also choose to participate in the Daniel Fast as a way to observe Lent.

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. The purpose of the Daniel Fast is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”

The idea behind the Daniel Fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast. For more information on doing the Daniel Fast, click HERE.

How will you prepare for Easter this year? Consider doing the Daniel Fast as you celebrate what the Lord has done for you! 

Download my Lent 2015 Prayer Guide!

Plantain Chips

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Plantain Chips

Plantain Chips

I tried my first plantain a few years ago in El Salvador. I really liked the taste, along with the creamy custard that was drizzled on top.A plantain looks like a banana, but it's usually longer and has thicker skin. Although plantains are a fruit, they're generally prepared like a vegetable and are stewed, fried, boiled, mashed, or grilled.
Green plantains are yellow or pink inside and are often used in side dishes.Yellow plantains have brown or black spots and have a sweet taste and firm texture.Black plantains are soft and fully ripened.Plantains are high in vitamin A, potassium and fiber, and are low in sodium. They're also a good source of the B-complex vitamins.
If you've never had plantains, you definitely should try this simple recipe. Already a fan of this unique fruit? Now you have another way to enjoy it!
3.90 from 10 votes
Print Recipe
Course Snack
Servings 4
Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 green plantains
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Yield: 4-5 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a silicone mat).
  • Trim ends of plantains. Score the plantains vertically in three places without cutting through to the fruit. Remove the peel and discard, along with the trimmed ends. Cut plantains in ¼” slices (should make about 3 cups).
  • In a large bowl, add plantain chips, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat. Place plantain chips on the baking sheet in rows. Cook 15 minutes. Flip, and then bake another 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If the plantains are fully ripened (peel is black), they’ll be too soft to make good chips. Plantain chips do not get as crispy as potato chips.
  • You may need to remove some chips before the others are done cooking if they start to brown faster.
  • Store uneaten chips in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To reheat, place in an oven or toaster oven at 400 degrees for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 2gFiber: 2gSugar: 11g

 

The Daniel Fast and Lent

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Lent 2014

March 5th is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent is a special time when the Church remembers how Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert before He launched His public ministry. Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. (SIGN UP HERE to receive your Lent 2014 Prayer Guide).

The purpose of Lent is to reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Typically, people abstain from meat during Lent and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or Facebook. Many believers also participate in a Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. The purpose of the fast is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God (see Food Guidelines). On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message translation sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.” The idea behind the fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast.

How will you prepare for Easter Sunday? Consider doing the Daniel Fast as you celebrate what the Lord has done for you!

Daniel Fast Testimonies

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I never tire of hearing stories about the amazing things God has done through the Daniel Fast! Following are just a few of the testimonies I’ve received. If you have a story to share, please email me.

“Kristen Feola’s book, The Ultimate Guide to The Daniel Fast, has played a key role in the progress I have made while being on this fast. The time and passion she put into the book really shows. I could relate to her personal stories as well as the stories written by others when they were on the fast. I am thankful for this book being the perfect guide for me while taking part in the Daniel Fast!” – S. Kahn

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which has now entered a place of honor in my kitchen. We used it as a devotion during the first 40 days of 2013 and found it both uplifting and very practical. I felt like I was walking through the three weeks with a new friend.” – N. Flowers

“This book was very helpful in getting me and my family through the Daniel Fast. I will use it every time I do this fast! I recommend it!” – L. Watson

“When our church went on the Daniel Fast, I bought your book and loved the recipes!” – A. Simmons

“Kristen, I just had to share this with you. I’m on day 8 of the Daniel Fast, and just this morning I was talking with a friend who is going through a very tough family issue. We talked about how God uses trials, difficulties, and challenges for good somehow. When I came home, I read your devotion for day 8, and the words nearly jumped off the page! You quoted Psalm 119:71,”It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” That was exactly what my friend and I were talking about! I’m so thankful for the work you have done through your first book!” – K. Erdel

“We’re thrilled that we found your book on Amazon and have been using your recipes and devotional guide since Sunday. My husband and I realized that we have fasted for other people and at times just personally for individual issues, but this is our first “together” fast. We’re excited to see what God will do in our lives. Thank you so much for your dedication to writing this book.” – A. Rekow

Roasted Butternut Squash and Onions

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 roasted butternut squash and onions
 

Roasted Butternut Squash and Onions

As the weather gets cooler, we tend to gravitate toward certain foods - baked apples, hot soups, and, of course, fall vegetables, such as pumpkin and squash. This recipe pairs the rich sweetness of butternut squash with onions, resulting in a simple side dish that is full of flavor.
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups) peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
  • 1 cup thinly sliced onion, sliced pole to pole see Recipe Notes
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • ½ teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place butternut squash cubes and onions in a large bowl. Combine olive oil, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a smaller bowl. Pour over squash and onions, and mix well.
  • Place vegetables on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes and flip. Bake another 10-15 minutes or until edges are slightly browned.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)

Video

Notes

  • Use carrots or sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.
  • Substitute ½ teaspoon paprika for the rosemary.
  • To slice an onion pole to pole, or into half rings, think of the onion as a globe. Trim root end (South Pole) and stem end (North Pole). Peel off outer layers. Cut onion in half from North Pole to South Pole, making a series of vertical slices perpendicular to the equator of the onion.